According to Cruise Lines International Association, cruise passenger volume in 2023 is expected to reach 106 percent of 2019 levels, with 31.5 million passengers sailing. Clearly, in a post-pandemic travel world, cruising remains as popular as ever. Lines are responding, with next-generation ships being fabricated at shipyards and brands tapping into passenger demands to explore new destinations ashore and enjoy creative dining options and memorable activities. Read on for what to expect in 2024.

© Silversea
Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ largest and most innovative ship, debuts in the Mediterranean in February 2024 before shifting to the Caribbean in the fall of that year. Highlights aboard the next-generation vessel include the three-story Horizons Dining Room, touting wake views, ample natural light and three completely different dining experiences. The Princess Arena has moveable seats; a capacity of more than 1,000 people; and an in-the-round configuration. The Wake View Terrace boasts an infinity pool, a South Beach-style resort deck, entertainment and a full bar, while activities at Park19 include climbing structures; a splash zone; and Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first hang-gliding experience at sea.
In 2024 the five-night Limitless Voyage, inspired by Jennifer Lopez, returns for its second year, this time to coincide with International Women’s Day. The themed sailing includes speaker panels with more than a dozen female entrepreneurs, healthy happy hours, special fitness classes, networking sessions and empowering shore excursions involving surfing lessons and jumping off waterfalls.
Windstar launches new cruises in 2024 in the Canary Islands on the 312-guest, all-suite Star Pride; the eight-day Captivating Canary Islands sails from Lisbon to Las Palmas, including Madeira, with overnight stays in Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The brand-new, 14-day Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas on Star Breeze goes beyond the expected Tahitian stops to access the Tuamotu Islands of Fakarava and Rangiroa as well as the Marquesas. This includes time in Omoa on Fatu Hiva, Atuona on Hiva Oa, and Taiohae on Nuku Hiva. The small-ship line’s first-ever itineraries in the Middle East begin just before the new year, and a new beverage menu curated for those sailings uses local ingredients like za’atar and arak.

© Silversea
On Jan. 15, 2024, Silversea’s Silver Shadow will embark on a 132-day Far East-West World Cruise with 65 destinations — including 40 new ones — and 23 overnight stays. Ports of call include Hawai‘i, Samoa, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, with deep dives in China, Japan, the Russian Far East and Alaska. In the summer of 2024 Silversea’s Silver Ray, the second Nova-class ship, debuts. Silver Ray will mirror its sister ship, Silver Nova, with an asymmetrical design and innovative use of glass in suites and public areas for uninterrupted views, while its high space-to-guest ratio ensures a roomy, luxurious experience.
Queen Anne, the 249th ship to fly the Cunard flag and the line’s first vessel in 12 years, launches in May 2024. Its 24 decks and 15 dining venues will accommodate up to 3,000 guests, and its design tapped into the Cunard archives in Liverpool to inspire the layout, fabrics and textures. Her maiden season takes passengers to European ports including the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norwegian fjords and Western Mediterranean. The line’s newly launched theme voyages include London Theatre at Sea in June, Literature Festival at Sea in November, and the Big Band Ball voyage in May celebrating the swing era.
After a decade’s hiatus, Celebrity Cruises returns to Egypt with 10 itineraries on Celebrity Infinity or Celebrity Silhouette. Departing from Athens, the trips take passengers to ancient ports in Egypt, Türkiye and Israel including Alexandria, Kuşadasi, Haifa and Ashdod. Other standout itineraries for 2024 include an 11-night journey through Japan on Celebrity Millennium, traveling to Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Kagoshima and Mount Fuji, plus Jeju Island in South Korea. A 12-night cruise along the Spice Route, also on Celebrity Millennium, explores destinations like Mumbai’s Caves of Elephanta; spotting elephants and leopards at Yala National Park in Hambantota, Sri Lanka; and swimming in the Andaman Sea in Phuket.

© AmaWaterways
With the resurgence in international tourism, AmaWaterways will launch its 2024 European season early, with special cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers starting Feb. 11 — a time when airfares are lower and crowds are fewer. In response to the growing interest in wellness and active cruising, the line added onboard activities like yoga, Pilates, resistance band stretching, cardio and dance classes, all led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts. Also, a brand-new pickleball court on the deck of AmaMagna makes it the first river cruise line with a full-sized sports court. In 2024 themed cruises include wine tasting in the vineyards of Portugal, Germany or France, as well as delving into Black history in France or Egypt.
Maiden Voyages
Look for these new ships to hit the water in the coming year:
Cunard Line’s Queen Anne
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure
Explora Journeys’ Explora II
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Ray
Viking Cruises’ Viking Vela
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady
Read This Next
Are You Guilty of Fraud on Expenses?
September 2023
Sep 30, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 17, 2025Embark on a Whale Sharks and Dragons Expedition Aboard “Prana by Atzaro”
Hand-built of iron and teak using traditional boat building practices (and steeped in luxury), Prana by Atzaro — a traditional sailing vessel known as a phinisi — can comfortably accommodate up to 18 people in nine sumptuous stateroom suites. Experience this unique sailing experience yourself on board the stunning yacht during a new seven-night, eight-day Whale Sharks and Dragons Expedition.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Apr 17, 2025United Airlines Launches Direct Flights from Newark to Madeira, Faro
We’re calling it now: Portugal is going to be the destination of the summer thanks to a new partnership between Madeira Promotion Bureau, VisitAlgarve and United Airlines. These destinations are excited to announce the launch of two new direct flights routes from Newark (EWR) to Portugal’s Madeira (FNC) and Faro (FAO).
April 2025
Apr 17, 2025Budapest, Hungary’s Vibrant Capital, Emerges as a Go-To City for Business and Beyond
Straddling the Danube River, the Hungarian capital splits into two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda sits on the west of the river with a series of historic buildings nestled among steep hills, while Pest is flatter and located on the east bank of the river.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Daily
Apr 17, 2025Exclusive St. Barts Hotel Offers for 2025
Embrace the warm breezes and turquoise waters of St. Barts with these exclusive hotel offers available this year.
Aranui Announces Expansion with Second Ship
eFlyer News
Apr 16, 2025eFlyer Deals
Apr 16, 2025Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes Launches Luxe Offer
Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes’ Villa Aegean and Villa Caldera, as well as Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino reveal a new offer, Greek Odyssey: From Aegean to Ionian. Ideal for honeymooners or groups with a passion for fine living, this offer includes:
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
eFlyer Deals
Apr 16, 2025The Lake House on Canandaigua Debuts Spring in Bloom Vacation Offer
Head to the Finger Lakes region in New York this spring and stay at The Lake House on Canandaigua. This boutique property welcomes spring with the all-new Spring in Bloom Vacation offer.
ShareThis